Also out is the infamous system 'Dial-a-Kombo', which was introduced in MK3 and used pre-defined sequences of buttons to execute 'ready' combos. The 'run' button is no longer in, but there is quick dash the player can use to inflict even more damage to their opponent if they're quick in getting their combo. Many attacks will throw the opponent into the air, and several others that take advantage of aerial combat. The controls also refer a lot to Mortal Kombat 3, with the clash limited to a single plane, the fastest pace of struggle. Each character will have a different intro and outro, depending if they decided to do a Fatality or not.
The player can also execute many special moves with little effort. This combines with most martial arts techniques. Instead of having a few punches and kicks divided between high and low, there's now a button for each limb: front arm, front leg, back arm, and back leg. Because of this plot, characters and scenarios present are the classic ones, bringing the old to new and starting a new conflict. The story retells the events of the first three games, in a new timeline where Raiden receives a message from himself in the prime future after the Battle of Armageddon has happened and Shao Kahn became the supreme leader of all the realms.
